Split Roubo Workbench #7: Dog Hole Strip

These are all steps that I completed in the last week. I am getting ready to dive into 12 days straight at work then out of town the next. Progress slows.

I wanted to get the dovetail and top completed before now but it didn’t happen. I am nervous to have these pieces milled up to final dimensions and them sitting around for days and days.

Note on design: It turns out that the cheapest soft maple I could buy has wonderful character with the Ambrosia worm holes. But this is not the place to show off grain and figure. If I did the overall look to the bench would be too busy. So for every step of the way I have chosen the more clear surface for display. Its disappointing really but I think the final overall composition of the bench will benefit.

During the last few steps I have relied heavily on Marc’s videos. I can just imagine how time, material and heart ache they have saved me. Some may poo-poo the instruction but fortunately for others I did not learn my own vocation by “figuring it out.” There is nothing wrong with instruction. It just turns out that my shop teacher is on the internet.

Laying out for the routing. The template and the routing. Not much more to say.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————In order to maintain alignment I clamped, pre-drilled, and placed screws for later removal.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————The basic placement of the dog block, the screw, and the cavity. Oh, and if anyone wants to make an offer on the garage sale reject – Go ahead.

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-I got a lot of burning during the routing. I don’t know enough to avoid this. I changed my speed but it persisted.

A little late now, but next time you could use the masking tape trick for routing. Just put a few layers on the inside edge of your template and route things out, then remove the tape for a nice light skim cut to remove any burning. You’re using maple, which burns pretty easily so it’s not necessarily anything you did wrong.

-- The difference between being defeated and admitting defeat is what makes all the difference in the world - Upton Sinclair, "The Jungle"

Hey Scott, that is looking so nice. You will be sitting at that guy for hours and smiling – I know you will.

As far as burning – sometimes it just goes that way. But it does look like you got a lot of it. I got much better results when I totally switched to 3/4” Whiteside instead of cheaper bits. And final skim cuts are a godsend.

Nice job Scott. It is going to be a great bench when you are done. I am in the process of designing my bench, and seeing your progress is only making me want to start sooner. Looking forward to the next post.

Mauricio – I am so far from the home stretch…..... but thanks for the encouragement.

Steve – That routing was done with a brand new 3/4” whitesides with 1/2 ” shank. The key – I did not hog out the bulk of the material with a spiral bit and a bushing. I dont have a bushing set – go figure. Then come back with the pattern bit – Just as Marc suggested. I went straight to the pattern bit. I am learning by the minute. At least the burning is in the dog holes!

-- It isn't the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it's the pebble in your shoe. - Muhammad Ali

Those two weeks away from your bench will give you time to build the rest of it, over, and over, and over again in your mind and when you get back it will feel like you’re building another one. Keep notes on thoughts and ideas for the bench while your away.

Work Safe and have Fun. – Len

-- Mother Nature should be proud of what you've done with her tree. - Len ...just north of a stone's throw from the oHIo, river that is, in So. Indiana.